Dental implants are one of modern dentistry’s greatest achievements, offering a permanent solution for missing teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. When you lose a tooth due to injury, decay, or disease, it affects more than just your smile. Missing teeth can impact your ability to eat, speak clearly, and feel confident in social situations.
Unlike temporary solutions such as removable dentures, dental implants provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth by fusing with your jawbone. This restorative dentistry approach not only restores your smile but also preserves bone structure, prevents facial sagging, and delivers long-lasting results that can potentially last a lifetime with proper care.
Dr. Jenson uses advanced digital technology to place dental implants. From in-office 3-D imaging to surgical-guided oral surgery, your experience in our office is designed to support a stable, lasting outcome. Dr. Jenson takes the time to evaluate all aspects of your oral health as part of the treatment process, addressing any concerns along the way to ensure success.
Types of Dental Implants
We offer comprehensive implant dentistry services tailored to your unique needs. Whether you need to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all your teeth, our experienced team can help. We’re here so you can get beautiful and functional teeth.
Single Tooth Implants
A single tooth implant is designed to replace one missing tooth without affecting neighboring healthy teeth. The process begins with the placement of a titanium post into your jawbone where the tooth root once was. This post acts as an artificial tooth root, providing a strong and stable foundation.
One implant consists of a dental crown, abutment, and the implant post. The abutment is a small connector piece that holds your custom-made crown securely in place.
The final result is a replacement tooth that matches your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. Single tooth implants prevent the shifting of adjacent teeth, maintain proper bite alignment, and help preserve jawbone density in the area of the missing tooth.
Multiple Tooth Implants
When you’re missing several teeth in a row or in different areas of your mouth, multiple tooth implants offer an effective solution. Unlike traditional bridges that require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth for support, implant-supported bridges or partial dentures use strategically placed implants as anchors.
The number of implants needed depends on factors like bone density, the location of missing teeth, and your overall oral health. Multiple tooth implants distribute chewing forces more naturally than traditional bridges, helping to prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure. They also eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience often associated with removable partial dentures, giving you teeth that stay securely in place.
All-on-Four Implants
All-on-Four is an innovative technique designed to provide a full arch of teeth (upper or lower) using just four strategically placed dental implants. This approach is best for patients missing most or all of their teeth who want a fixed, permanent solution without the need for individual implants for each tooth.
The procedure gets its name from the four implants that support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw, while two additional implants are placed at an angle in the back of the jaw. This angled placement maximizes contact with available bone and often eliminates the need for bone grafting procedures.
One of the most significant advantages of All-on-Four implants is the possibility of receiving a temporary set of teeth on the same day as your implant surgery, a concept often called “Teeth in a Day.” After healing, your temporary teeth are replaced with a permanent, custom-made prosthesis that looks and functions like natural teeth.
All-on-Four implants provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods requiring 6-8 implants per arch, with reduced healing time and fewer surgical procedures.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Implants are known as the gold standard for tooth replacement. We use implants to support one or all your missing teeth. Dental implants offer many advantages over traditional tooth replacement options like removable dentures or fixed bridges:
- Improved Appearance and Confidence: Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth to help you smile with confidence. They integrate with your bone and become a permanent part of your mouth. Implants eliminate the self-consciousness that often comes with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures.
- Enhanced Comfort and Convenience: Unlike removable dentures, implants eliminate discomfort and embarrassment from slipping teeth. There’s no need for messy adhesives, and you care for implants just like natural teeth. You don’t need special cleaners or nightly removal.
- Better Oral Health: Unlike bridges, implants don’t require reducing adjacent teeth. More of your natural teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth for brushing and flossing.
- Durability and Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last many decades or even a lifetime. They’re the most durable and long-lasting tooth replacement option available today.
- Preservation of Jawbone and Facial Structure: When you lose teeth, your jawbone can deteriorate over time, leading to a “sunken” facial appearance. Dental implants stimulate natural bone growth, helping maintain your facial structure and preventing bone loss.
- Improved Ability to Eat and Speak: Missing teeth or poorly fitting dentures can make it difficult to speak clearly or enjoy certain foods. Dental implants function like natural teeth. You can eat your favorite foods with confidence and speak without worry.
The Dental Implant Process at Hazel Dell Dental Care
Understanding the dental implant journey helps patients feel more comfortable and prepared. You can get an implant crown, bridge, or denture in several office visits. Dr. Jenson will make sure you’re a good implant candidate and that you’re prepared for implant treatment.
Initial Consultation
Your implant journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Jenson will examine your mouth, take dental X-rays and 3D scans, and assess your jawbone density and gum health. This information helps him create your personalized treatment plan.
Pre-Implant Preparation
Some patients may need preliminary procedures before implant placement, such as tooth extractions, bone grafting to build up insufficient jawbone, or treatment for gum disease. These steps ensure the best possible foundation for your implants.
Implant Placement Surgery
During this procedure, our dentist surgically places the titanium implant posts into your jawbone. The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation dentistry options available for your comfort. For single or multiple implants, the procedure takes about 1-2 hours, while All-on-Four implant surgery may take longer.
Healing and Osseointegration
After implant placement, a healing period allows the implants to fuse with your jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, typically takes 3-6 months for traditional implants. During this time, we’ll provide you with a temporary restoration. All-on-Four patients often receive temporary teeth the same day as surgery.
Abutment Placement
Once healing is complete, we attach small connector pieces called abutments to the implants. This minor procedure exposes the implants and attaches the connectors that hold your new teeth.
Final Restoration
In the final step, your custom-made crowns, bridges, or full-arch prosthesis are attached to the abutments. These restorations are designed to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size, creating a seamless smile.
Follow-Up Care
Regular check-ups ensure your implants function properly and remain healthy. With proper home care and professional maintenance, your dental implants can provide decades of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about implants? We can help. Read answers to common questions about dental implants in our Vancouver, MA, office.
Are dental implants painful?
Most patients report that dental implant surgery involves less discomfort than they expected. Local anesthesia ensures you don’t feel pain during the procedure, and sedation options are available for anxious patients. After surgery, you can maange mild discomfort with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last decades or even a lifetime. The implant post itself has a success rate of over 95% at 10 years. The visible portion (crown) may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with good general and oral health are candidates for dental implants. Key factors include having adequate jawbone density to support implants and healthy gums free of gum disease. Even if you’ve been told you lack sufficient bone, solutions like bone grafting or All-on-Four implants may still make implant treatment possible.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants varies based on factors like the number of implants needed, if you need pretreatments, the type of restoration, and the location of your missing teeth. While implants typically involve a higher initial investment than other tooth replacement options, their longevity and health benefits often make them more cost-effective over time.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are important. While implants cannot develop cavities, the surrounding gum tissue can become infected without proper care. Our dentist will provide specific instructions for maintaining your implants.
Can I get implants if I’ve worn dentures for years?
Yes, many long-term denture wearers successfully transition to dental implants. Even after years of wearing dentures and experiencing some bone loss, options like bone grafting or All-on-Four implants can often provide solutions. Implants offer a welcome relief from the challenges of removable dentures.
Request an Appointment
Are you ready to replace missing teeth with dental implants? Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process. During your consultation, we’ll thoroughly evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and create a customized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from smiling confidently, eating your favorite foods, or speaking clearly. Contact our office today to schedule your dental implant consultation. Call us at (360) 233-8831 or fill out our convenient online form to request your appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve the healthy, functional, and attractive smile you deserve.